Poland – Viticulture and Wines

Winemaking and drinking in Poland started with the introduction of Christianity around the fourth century A D.

Vineyards were planted around Krakow in the south hugging the Karpat Mountains.

Eleven centuries later as the climate turned cold, many people switched to vodka and beer.

While Russians claim to have invented vodka, Polish researchers are adamant in claiming credit for its invention.

Vineyards existed up to World War II around Silesia, and Zielona Gora.

After 1990 with the economic “freedom” growth of the economy the population became more prosperous, drinking wine was made fashionable by newspaper articles, TV programs, word-of-mouth, and winery advertising. The government also encourage wine drinking perceiving it to be healthier than consuming vodka that contains much more alcohol.

Wine is perceived to be healthier alcoholic beverage than hard liquor.

Presently, most of the vineyards are located around Krakow ( latitude 50 north) close to Slovakia.

In Canada, Winnipeg lies on 50 latitude north, and as everyone knows, grapes do not grow in Manitoba.

In Poland, with Atlantic Ocean’s vicinity, and the climatic influence of the Gulf Stream, hardy hybrid grapes grow pending on conditions of the growing season.

In total approximately 1000 hectares are under vines, yielding approximately four million bottles, although most wineries are small family holdings; only four are relatively large.

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Professor Hrayr Berberoglu

Professor B offers seminars (Greater Toronto Area) to companies and interested parties at their residence on any category of wine, chocolates, chocolates and wine, olive oils, vinegars and dressings, at a reasonable cost. Please, contact him at hberbero@ryerson.ca